§ 6609. Requirements for a license as a dental hygienist. To qualify for a license as a dental hygienist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

(1) Application: file an application with the department;

(2) Education: have received an education, including high school graduation and completion of a program in dental hygiene, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(3) Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(4) Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(5) Age: be at least seventeen years of age;

(6) Citizenship or immigration status: be a United States citizen or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; provided, however, that the board of regents may grant a three year waiver for a noncitizen to practice in an area which has been designated a federal dental health professions shortage area, except that the board of regents may grant an additional extension not to exceed six years to a noncitizen to enable him or her to secure citizenship or permanent resident status, provided such status is being actively pursued;

(7) Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and

(8) Fees: pay a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license, a fee of fifty dollars for each reexamination, a fee of seventy dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, and a fee of fifty dollars for each triennial registration period.